Forget Pricey Curtains: Cover Windows With A Find From Your Closet

Before you fork out money on a set of new curtains, have a look through your wardrobe. If you've got long-forgotten patterned skirts or dresses that you know are most likely going to keep hanging there collecting dust, then they could be exactly what you're looking for. It's an idea that is surprisingly simple, considering you'll get a set of curtains at the end of it. Instead of buying fabric by the foot, repurpose the material on a skirt or dress, using their existing seams and hemlines to do much of the work.

First, you need to measure your window and check that the fabric is large enough to cover the area. That's why skirts and dresses are particularly useful for this trick, as they can provide plenty of length without requiring you to hem the bottom, but consider the thickness and opacity of the material. Choose a garment that you enjoy the look of and one that offers enough width to cover the entire window, with a little extra fabric to allow for folds when it's drawn, remembering that hanging your curtains at the right height is important for privacy.

Before you start cutting any fabric, you first need to wash your chosen garment and let it dry. If there are any creases, consider steaming or ironing it then lay it flat so that it's easier to work on. Now it's time to get started. 

First you need to remove the waistband but keep as much of the fabric intact as possible to create an opening for the curtain rod. In order to avoid damaging the fabric, it is better to use a seam ripper as this will carefully unpick the stitching that attaches the waistband to the skirt. You want to separate the waistband but keep the material underneath in one piece as you need that fabric to fold over to create your curtain-rod channel. To do this, fold the top edge of the skirt back towards the wrong side of the fabric, which will create an opening wide enough for the curtain rod to slip inside. Once it's folded over, use a sewing machine to stitch along the bottom edge, or if you're a more seasoned sewer, then you can use a simple running stitch. 

If you want to avoid sewing altogether, iron-on hemming tape can secure the fold or you can use curtain clip rings instead of a curtain rod channel by simply attaching the clips along the top edge of the clothing, spaced evenly, and threading the rings onto a curtain rod.

If you don't have a skirt lying around, don't worry; this isn't the only clothing item that can be given a second life as a window dressing. A collection of scarves can be stitched together to create a colorful patchwork curtain, or you can hang individual scarves from clip rings for a more relaxed and mismatched bohemian look. Hawaiian shirts are another obvious choice for the fun patterns and colors. Or get creative by repurposing other household items like old sheets, bedspreads, tablecloths, pillowcases and even tea towels — anything with a striking enough fabric or feel can work.

While the possibilities may seem endless, bear in mind that not every garment will offer the same level of coverage. If you're making curtains out of silk scarves or gauzy skirts, these lightweight materials will soften incoming daylight, but they don't provide much privacy. For use in bedrooms or windows that face onto streets or neighboring properties, consider layering curtains properly by pairing your homemade panels with an existing blind or roller shade, or simply use the sheer fabric to create a fetching border for the bottom of existing curtains. That way, you can enjoy the decorative effect without sacrificing your privacy.